--- title: What Your Back Pain Is Telling You date: 2023-06-09T07:30:00-05:00 author: Hannah Keller canonical_url: "https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/what-your-back-pain-is-telling-you" section: Blog --- [« View All Blogs](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog) # What Your Back Pain Is Telling You June 9, 2023 | Patient Education ![Woman stretches while sitting up in bed to help alleviate back pain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_50x16_crop_center-center_none/Hero-1280x600-Stretch.jpg) Back pain can be a normal occurrence that sometimes resolves itself. But if yours is unbearable, you don’t have to push through it alone. Back pain can feel like sharpness or a dull ache when moving or sitting still, morning stiffness, and numbness in limbs. Some back pain resolves itself with simple home remedies or rest. If it persists or interrupts your life for a long period of time, it may be a sign to seek help. Your provider will start by trying to determine the cause of the back pain. ## Probable Causes of Back Pain Some usual culprits include common issues like strained muscles from constant or excessive physical labor, improper posture, or lack of exercise. If you’re experiencing back pain, a solution may be as simple as switching up your workout regimen or investing in an ergonomic office chair. There are many ways to tweak your routine. Start with recognizing probable causes and assessing how you can adjust. If pain persists after you’ve thought through likely causes and solutions, it’s time to visit your provider. ![Doctor checks and examines patients spine.](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_42x65_fit_center-center_none/In-Text-420x420-Back-Check.jpg) ## What Medical Conditions Are Related to Back Pain? An array of conditions can contribute to back pain of various intensities. Sometimes the location of the pain can indicate the cause. For example, lower back pain can mean you have worn disks or kidney stones, while upper back pain can mean you have a back sprain or poor posture. When common causes don’t seem to be the issue, consult with your provider to figure out if there’s an underlying problem, such as some of the following conditions: - Scoliosis: curved spine - Arthritis: swollen joints - Fibromyalgia: widespread pain - Kidney stones: mineral deposits - Endometriosis: tissue outside uterus Regardless of the cause, always seek medical assistance if you experience numbness, severe pain, new injuries, pain with urination, or fever. These are all signs your pain requires more immediate treatment. ## How Back Pain Is Treated Depending on the cause, a variety of treatments are available for back pain. Your Schneck provider will reference [medical records](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/what-is-a-medical-record-or-chart) to help determine a proper course of action. Here we’ve listed a few treatment options that may be suitable depending on your case. ### Helpful Home Remedies - Pain relievers - Anti-inflammatories - Cold compresses ### Potential Provider Recommendations - Physical therapies - Healthy habits - Surgical procedures At [Schneck Orthopedics & Sports Medicine](https://www.schneckmed.org/walk-in-ortho), our team takes the time to plan personalized treatment. We want your experience to be as painless as possible so we pay special attention to each patient. ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Your Providers Schneck Orthopedics keeps patients on the path to improvement. ![Ken Bates](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/KenBates_2021-12-01-131649_ubuc.jpg) ### Kenneth B. Bates, PA-C Orthopedics [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/kenneth-b-bates) ![Doctor Gerth](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrGerth.jpg) ### P. Kevin Gerth, MD Orthopedics [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/p-kevin-gerth) ![Doctor Wendy Goldstein](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrWendyGoldstein.jpg) ### Wendy Goldstein, DPM Podiatry [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/wendy-goldstein) ![Jill Mikles](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/JillMikles_2021-12-01-131648_fhhu.jpg) ### Jill M. Mikles, DO Orthopedics [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/jill-m-mikles) ![Kris Williams](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/KrisWilliams.jpg) ### Kristopher M. Williams, DO Orthopedics [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/kristopher-m-williams) ![Jason Woods](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/JasonWoods_2021-12-01-131647_rtmg.jpg) ### Jason B. Woods, DPM, CWSP Podiatry [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/jason-b-woods) [View All Providers](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) ## Take Back Your Health You don’t have to keep pushing through the pain. Work with Schneck to find support and develop a treatment plan to begin feeling better. [Let’s Connect](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/orthopedics) ![Smiling father carrying his young daughter on his shoulders at home, holding her hands.](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/Rich-Content-750x450-Dad-Daughter.jpg) ## Related Blog Posts When seeking support, rely on your nearby professionals at Schneck. We provide assistance to empower you in taking control of your well-being at all life stages. Explore valuable expertise in connected blogs. [View Related Blog Posts](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog?service=orthopedics) ![A person grabbing his wrist in pain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/250314_Schneck-WhyDoMyJointsHurt-Blog_FeaturedImage_1280x600.jpg) Patient Education### Why Do My Joints Hurt When the Weather Changes? 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